Two Hospitals in Two Months in Vietnam

We’ve been away for about two months now.  One month in Thailand and one month in Vietnam.  I’ve also been to the hospital. Twice.  Both times in Vietnam.  The first time was within a few hours of a meal we had at an expensive hotel.  I kept feeling worse and worse, until I couldn’t stand it any longer.  The taxi took us to the hospital in town.  I was taken right in and immediately given an IV.  It was difficult. They didn’t speak much English, but Nina was by my side and helped communicate what was wrong.  A few IVs, lots of pills, three days later, and lots of love from Nina, they finally let me leave.

The second time, was a little less serious.  I had been sick for about a week, at first getting worse, then better, but then not totally better.  We were hanging out with our friend who is a medical student and after coughing so much, he said I should go to the hospital.  So, I went.  In about 50 minutes, I was seen, right away, by two doctors, given a chest x-ray and a blood test.  I left with a few prescriptions and am now feeling much better.

I left both experiences feeling extremely positive.  At both hospitals, doctors were available immediately, and I felt like they really wanted me to feel better.  My experiences provided quite a contrast to that of my family members and friends, five of which have recently been in an American hospital with less than perfect experiences.  I felt like the staff at both hospitals was completely competent.  I was shocked to learn that the cost of the first hospital, per day, was less than our hotel.

Some people have suggested that we just go home, but the experiences at the hospitals leave me feeling both safe here and welcome.